Tampa

About this city

Also known as: Cigar City / The Big Guava

Tampa is a dynamic, economically booming metropolis serving as the county seat of Hillsborough County, Florida, located on the western coast of the state along Tampa Bay and the mouth of the Hillsborough River. Originating as a military outpost in 1824 and dramatically expanding in the late 19th century due to Vicente Martinez-Ybor's cigar manufacturing empire and the discovery of phosphate, Tampa evolved into a global industrial and shipping giant. Geographically, it serves as the vibrant heart of the Tampa Bay area, seamlessly connecting historic red-brick multi-ethnic enclaves with a sleek corporate skyline. Today, Tampa is universally celebrated for its championship sports teams, massive corporate presence, a world-class cruise and cargo port, and a deeply rich multicultural heritage.